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The sixth iteration of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Sri Lanka concluded July 31 in Trincomalee after a five-day schedule that began July 27, bringing together the Sri Lanka Navy and the U.S. Navy for exercises ashore in Colombo and Trincomalee and at sea in the Indian Ocean to enhance interoperability, strengthen partnerships, and support regional security cooperation.
During the closing ceremony, Sri Lanka Navy Commodore Dhanesh Pathberiya, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet, received an award from U.S. Army Lt. Col. Matthew House, the senior defense official and defense attaché to Sri Lanka.
U.S. participation included a P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft from Commander, Task Force 72. Additional participants came from Destroyer Squadron 7, Task Force 73, Task Force 76, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, and a U.S. Coast Guard maritime engagement team.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to come back to Sri Lanka and execute the sixth iteration of CARAT Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Navy Capt. John Baggett, commander, DESRON-7. “In a critical region like the Indian Ocean, our partnerships that we foster through exercises like CARAT are paramount to upholding stability.”
At sea, the P-8A aircrew worked with Sri Lanka Navy sailors to demonstrate advanced maritime domain awareness and airborne reconnaissance, showcasing cross-platform information sharing aimed at bolstering regional maritime security.
Ashore, subject matter expert exchanges and practical training focused on areas including tactical medicine and explosive ordnance disposal, while bilateral sports events, community service projects, and cultural exchanges helped deepen ties between the forces.
This year represents the 32nd iteration of CARAT, a multinational exercise series that focuses on improving the ability of U.S. and partner navies to operate together in response to shared maritime security challenges.
DESRON-7 is the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed destroyer squadron in Southeast Asia, and U.S. 7th Fleet routinely operates with allies and partners in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
